In this jumbled sentence question, the three labelled parts are: A) had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food, B) meant the end of firewood, which, C) the kerosene stove also. Select the most logical order of these parts to form a coherent sentence.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: CBA

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to reorder jumbled sentence fragments into a coherent and meaningful English sentence. Such questions are common in competitive exams because they check both grammar and logical flow of ideas. The fragments describe the impact of the introduction of the kerosene stove on the use of firewood for cooking.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Part A: "had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food"
  • Part B: "meant the end of firewood, which"
  • Part C: "the kerosene stove also"
  • You must choose the order that forms a smooth and grammatically correct sentence.


Concept / Approach:
To solve jumbled sentence questions, start by identifying the logical subject and the likely beginning of the sentence. Then, see which parts link grammatically and logically. Here, the sentence is about the introduction of the kerosene stove and its effect on firewood. The phrase "the kerosene stove also" looks like the subject and must come at the beginning. The phrase "meant the end of firewood, which" naturally leads into a clause describing firewood. Finally, "had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food" explains how long firewood had been dominant.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the probable beginning. Part C, "the kerosene stove also", looks like the subject phrase and is a natural starting point. Step 2: See which fragment can follow C. "The kerosene stove also meant the end of firewood, which" makes sense, so B should come after C. Step 3: The clause "which meant the end of firewood, which" needs a relative clause to explain something about firewood. Part A "had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food" describes firewood, so A should follow B. Step 4: Combine them as CBA: "The kerosene stove also meant the end of firewood, which had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food." Step 5: Check grammar, tense, and sense. The sentence is grammatically correct and logically clear.


Verification / Alternative check:
Test other sequences quickly. BAC would give "meant the end of firewood, which had ruled from the time human beings learned to cook food the kerosene stove also", which is grammatically wrong. CAB would start with "the kerosene stove also had ruled...", which does not match the idea of the kerosene stove ending the rule of firewood. Thus, alternative orders do not convey the intended meaning correctly. The CBA order stands out as smooth and meaningful.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (CAB) produces an awkward and ungrammatical sentence. Option B (BCA) begins with "meant the end of firewood", but there is no subject before "meant". Option D (BAC) and Option E (ACB) both break the logical sequence and either misplace the subject or leave relative clauses hanging. Only CBA respects both grammar and logical order of ideas.


Common Pitfalls:
Students often try to arrange based on tense alone or length of fragments. A better strategy is to locate the main subject and main verb first, then attach dependent clauses and relative clauses in a way that keeps the sentence natural. Pay attention to pronouns like "which" and "who" because they must follow the nouns they refer to. Here, "which" clearly refers to "firewood", guiding us towards the correct placement of Part A after Part B.


Final Answer:
The most logical and grammatically correct order is CBA.

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